Prepare to be amazed! “Fred Kaps, Master Magician” unveils the secrets of the world’s greatest magician, by Michel van Zeist. A captivating journey awaits!
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Fred Kaps, Master Magician by Michel van Zeist
Celebrate the legacy of Fred Kaps (1926-1980), hailed as the greatest magician of all time, in this comprehensive biography by Michel van Zeist. Commemorating the 40th anniversary of his passing, this book offers a unique glimpse into the life of Holland’s three-time world champion of magic.
Discover captivating stories shared by his daughter, Barry Schatz-Bongers, and former colleague, Flip Hallema. Gain insights from modern magic icons like Hans Kazàn and Hans Klok, who reflect on Kaps’ impact and the evolution of the magic scene.
This meticulously researched biography reveals the secrets behind Kaps’ legendary performances, including the famous Salt Trick and the reasoning behind his distinctive midnight blue costumes. Both amateur and professional magicians will find invaluable lessons from the master himself.
The narrative also shines a spotlight on Henk Vermeyden (1908-1988), the visionary coach and manager who mentored Kaps and other world champions. Learn about Vermeyden’s pivotal role in founding the Dutch Magic Union (NMU) and the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM), cementing the Netherlands as a global hub for magic.
Written with the cooperation of over 30 contributors, including Jeff McBride, James Swain, and Chris Wasshuber, this biography offers an exclusive look into the life and times of Fred Kaps. With unlimited access to Kaps’ family archives, Michel van Zeist provides a richly detailed account of this extraordinary artist.
Key Features:
- Over 250 pages of in-depth content
- 250+ high-quality photos
- Hardcover format in full color
- Exclusive insights from family, friends, and magic legends
About the Author
Michel van Zeist is a renowned magician, event host, and voice-over artist. With a background in Communication Science from Radboud University in Nijmegen, Michel brings a unique perspective to this fascinating biography.
Fred Kaps (1926-1980) is considered to be the greatest magician of all time. To commemorate the 40th anniversary of his death, Michel van Zeist reminds us just how special Holland’s three-time world champion of magic really was. In Fred Kaps, Master Magician he recalls memories from, among others, his daughter Barry Schatz-Bongers and his former colleague, Flip Hallema. Two prominent faces in today’s world of magic – Dutchmen Hans Kazàn and Hans Klok – share their views on Kaps and on the magic scene in general.
Loyal fans of Fred Kaps have had to wait four decades, but now his greatest secrets can finally be revealed. Michel’s biography provides an in-depth insight into the life of ‘The Johan Cruijff of Magic’. Kaps’ career, repertoire and private life are explained and discussed from different angles by people who really knew him. Discover the story behind his famous Salt Trick and why his costumes had to be midnight blue. Both amateur and professional magicians will be able to learn what to do and what not to do from the master himself.
Detailed attention is also paid to Henk Vermeyden (1908-1988). This coach and manager of magicians founded the Dutch Magic Union (NMU) and the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM). Vermeyden was ‘The Magic Dandy’ who guided several world champions, including Fred Kaps, from his canal houses on Keizersgracht and Kloveniersburgwal in Amsterdam. Many famous magicians and illusionists, including Siegfried & Roy, came to him for advice. What tips and tricks were exchanged? Partly thanks to Vermeyden’s merits, the Netherlands was, for many years, the number one conjuring nation in the world.
With the permission of Fred Kaps’ family and unlimited access to the archives of this legend, Michel provides an exclusive look into the life and times of this unique artist: Fred Kaps, Master Magician.
Written with the cooperation of – in addition to the aforementioned – Jeff McBride, James Swain, Chris Wasshuber, Brenda & Theo Achterberg, Peter Vogel, Ronald Moray, Jan Paymans, James Schatz, Gerrit ten Cate, Véronique Ross, Tonny Eyk, Hanny Morpurgo, George Tokaya, Eric Eswin, Kobe van Herwegen, Sylvia Schuyer, Tel Smit, Hubrecht Duijker, Ton Bal, Andy Doornhein, Jordi IJzerman, Kevin Ike, Aris Smit, Angela de Zeeuw and John Eertink.
More than 250 pages and 250 photos, hardcover and in full color!
About the author
Michel van Zeist is a magician, event host and voice-over artist. He studied Communication Science at Radboud University in Nijmegen. Michel was a producer for NPO Radio 1 and had a regular slot on Radio Gelderland.
